Save A supremely easy, cheesy baked ziti made in the slow cooker—just five ingredients for a hearty, comforting meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
This slow cooker baked ziti is a family favorite that I first made on a busy weeknight and it never fails to impress.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- Sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- Cheeses: 450 g (16 oz) ricotta cheese, 225 g (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- Step 2:
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 3:
- Layer half of the uncooked ziti evenly over the sauce.
- Step 4:
- Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
- Step 5:
- Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese layer.
- Step 6:
- Repeat layers remaining ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and finish with the last of the sauce.
- Step 7:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until pasta is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8:
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Save This dish always brings my family together, whether at a casual dinner or a holiday gathering.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
Required Tools
6-quart slow cooker, measuring cups and spoons, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese), wheat (pasta). Check sauce and cheese labels for gluten and other potential allergens if needed.
Save This hearty baked ziti is the perfect make-ahead meal that never disappoints.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, penne or other tube-shaped pasta work well since they hold sauce and cheese effectively.
- → How do I know when the dish is done cooking?
The pasta should be tender and cheese melted with bubbling on top after 3 hours on low heat.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Absolutely, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties and monitor cooking closely as they may cook faster.
- → Any tips for layering the ingredients?
Start with sauce on the bottom, then alternate pasta and cheeses to create even, flavorful layers.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish?
Consider mixing in browned ground beef, sausage, or cooked mushrooms before layering for extra heartiness.